Effect of physical treatment methods on the properties of natural bamboo materials

Abstract

In recent years, energy consumption has been high, and resources are being depleted. This study has great significance for strengthening the development and application of sustainable natural materials. Natural bamboo materials have been used in furniture, buildings, packaging, and bridges because of their many advantages, such as fast growth, environmental-friendliness, maturity within 3–5 years, regeneration, good mechanical properties, good hardness, and rich resources. However, natural bamboo materials have many natural defects, such as hydrophilicity and poor mould resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to improve their biological durability through treatments and modifications. Physical treatment is more economical, environmentally -friendly, and easy to operate than chemical treatment, which causes environmental pollution, and biological treatment, which is costly. However, physical treatment methods for natural bamboo materials have not been systematically reviewed. This paper not only discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and mechanisms of physical treatment methods on natural bamboo materials but also discusses the influences of various treatment methods on natural bamboo material characteristics, such as microstructure, mechanical properties, quality, density, mould resistance properties, moisture absorption, and chemical composition. This study aims to summarise the experience, discuss the development trend of physical bamboo treatment methods, and provide a valuable overview for improving bamboo performance in the future.